TWO CAR PAUL MORRIS MOTORSPORTS ENTRY INTO TOYOTA 86 SERIES, RACING ACADEMY LAUNCHED

PRESS RELEASE/Paul Morris Motorsport – Photo: supplied

Paul Morris Motorsports will add two Toyota 86 Racing Series cars to its stable in 2019 for young guns, Declan Fraser and Luke Vanna and the veteran has officially announced the launch of his motorsport academy – to be known as the Paul Morris Racing Academy.

Queensland based Fraser and Vanna are entering their second season in the all-Toyota series after both enjoying successful careers in karting.

The addition of the Toyota 86 Racing Series cars to Morris’ fleet – which also includes Broc Feeney who will compete in the Kumho Tyre Super3 Supercars Series this year – is part of a broader plan by the Bathurst 1000 Champion who has officially announced he will add the Paul Morris Racing Academy to his Norwell Motorplex.

Morris has been working with Supercars star Anton de Pasquale through his advancement to the ‘main game’ along with other young stars – including Feeney who is completing part of his TAFE Queensland vocational education course as an apprentice at Norwell Motorplex.

“We’re working to find the future stars of Australian motorsport,” said Morris, who is the only driver to have won the Bathurst 1000, 6 Hour and 12 Hour.

“The Paul Morris Racing Academy is the first of its kind in Australia and you can see the development of the young drivers that have come through our race coaching program at the the Norwell Motorplex.

“By formally launching the Academy, it gives us the chance to work with local and national authorities to get the recognition it deserves.

“We’ve selected Declan Fraser and Luke Vanna to our program as they are two young guys on the rise in the Toyota 86 Racing Series, which is a perfect way to learn racecraft before going onto a Supercars, or GT career.

“Declan and Luke are good kids with talent who are prepared to take everything in.

“We want to get drivers to the Academy then teach them how to go racing in the proper way, but it is more than racing – these days it is about being the full package off the track as well as on and that is what we’re trying to instill in the drivers that visit the Paul Morris Racing Academy.”

Fraser, from Mackay who established two fastest laps during 2018 in the Toyota 86 Racing Series, is excited for the season ahead.

“Drawing on Paul’s experience throughout last year with his ‘Dudecamps’ really helped my transition into car racing,” explained the youngster.

“To now be part of the Paul Morris Motorsports outfit and an official driver for the Paul Morris Racing Academy is something really cool. After learning the ropes last season, I’m really looking forward to be challenging for the Toyota 86 Racing Series Title this year.”

Broadbeach Waters-based Vanna, who doubled Toyota 86 commitments with a last-round run in the SuperUtes category, reflected Fraser’s comments.

“Any of the guys that have come through Paul’s programs have shown improvement. Last year was a tough initiation into the Toyota 86 Racing Series, but this year, we have a new car – which won two races with Broc last year and the Championship in its inaugural year with Will Brown – along with the support of Paul Morris Motorsports and the Paul Morris Racing Academy.

“The Toyota 86 Racing Series always presents big fields and it is great racing that really gives you the skills you need to move up the motorsport ladder. With Paul’s tutelage and the benefits that come from being part of his team, I hope that we’ll have a top year and be right in the mix for the Title.”

The Toyota 86 Racing Series begins at Phillip Island over the weekend of April 10-12, where Feeney will make his Kumho Tyre Super3 debut.

For enquiries about the Paul Morris Racing Academy, call the Norwell Motorplex on 07 5546 1366 or visit www.norwellmotorplex.com.au.

SUBSCRIBE TO VELOCITY MAGAZINE 

For all our news keep your eyes peeled on the Velocity Magazine website and social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for our daily updates and to get the latest edition of our glossy magazine subscribe here from just $55 for 12 months subscription.